Christmas Week!

After a zone on zone football game.  Always the stand out - wearing yellow when everyone else is in blue!

Hi Mom! 

Christmas is here! I am so excited to talk to you guys! This week was awesome in some aspects, not in others. It was awesome because we went to the temple with our recent converts! Everyone was so happy to go to the temple and everyone is looking forward to our next trip! Hopefully soon! The teaching this week was not that great. All of the members who usually go out with us were busy all week, so we had to get by on our own. Bawjiase is not an English first town, so our options were limited. Fortunately everyone will be home for the holidays this week so we will be able to take a member everyday.

I will be able to Skype at noon. I can't wait for it! We are going to Accra tomorrow for a mission conference. It will be great to see everyone. 

I love you guys to the Moon and back! Can't wait for Christmas!

 

Love,

 

Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

P.S. Sorry for the beard in the pic. I'll shave :)

Haha!  The kid is such a hairy beast, I'm always bugging him because he has a beard shadow in his pictures.  I love that he jumped on with the PS before I commented on it.  He makes me laugh. 

 

 I can't believe we get to talk to him on Sunday!  It's the only Christmas present I want!  It's absolutely amazing how precious those visits are.  Especially since I haven't gotten a Sean hug for almost 16 months!  I am very much looking forward to talking to him.  This is his last Christmas away, but we get to look forward to Connor being gone for next Christmas.  Gigantic sigh!!!  It's totally worth it, though.  

 

We hope that his Christmas is wonderful and that he is able to make a few other people's Christmases great! 

The Branch keeps growing!

Hey Mom! 

We had another Awesome week! We finally had our baptism! She was a 15 year old girl. Also, our recent convert was confirmed! My new companion and I are getting along great! I am the senior companion. (crazy right?) All in all the work is going fantastic! The big news is that our branch is going to the Temple this week. We will going to do baptisms with our recent converts. They are extremely excited. It will be a great experience for them. 

I cant believe how good Connor looks, I'm gonna look ugly next him when I get home! Haha! I am super excited for Christmas. Its gonna be awesome to see you guys. 

I love you guys so very much!

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

He sent me a video this week (that I can't get to upload) of the peoples' reaction to the current president of Ghana being ousted in the election on Wednesday.  There were shouts of joy, fireworks, horns honking and a lot of celebration.  It sounds like it was the outcome the people wanted.  It was so good to hear his voice.  I am very excited to talk to him on Christmas!  The mission is going well and he seems very happy!

Election Week in Ghana

 

The mall near him is not too shabby!

Hi Mom! 

Big news week! It snuck up on me, but we got transfer news! Elder Kabasele is going to Swedru and I got Elder Ngwenya from Zimbabwe. I am now Senior companion. Elder Ngwenya is a really cool guy. He was in the same apartment as me when I was in Winneba. Our baptism is actually this Sunday, because we had Stake Conference. So now we have a new Christmas transfer!

So, election time in Ghana is in full swing. It's getting pretty crazy!  We were in Bawjiase yesterday, sitting in a tro (like a cab) and  waiting to go back to Kasoa.  Our tro driver was then attacked in broad daylight, in front of everyone, because he is a supporter of the current president. Elder Ngwenya and I were in the front seat, right next to him. I was genuinely nervous! 

Its getting wild over here! Here's to another awesome week!

 

Love you all so very much!

 

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

He said the driver of the tro was ok.  Just a normal everyday thing.  Wow!  The missionaries are supposed to stay out of crowds today and on election day, tomorrow. On Thursday, the day after the election, they are not allowed to leave their apartments because of possible civil unrest.  President has turned that day into "deep clean your apartment" day.  Very smart!  We are hoping all stays calm and well.  What an eye opening experience for these young men.  We are grateful for wonderful guidance from his mission leaders.  He looks great and sounds wonderful.  He is down to 209 lbs, so right about 100 lbs down.  Amazing!

He snapped this picture while we were FB chatting

This is a tro.  Not sure if it's the one they were in or not

Elders Kabasele and Keddington on Thanksgiving Day

Baptisms in Kasoa

Almost every member of the Branch after Ofelia's baptism

Hey Mom,

What an awesome week! Our baptism went great! Our convert, Ofelia, wept as she was welcomed with literal open arms into the branch. As you saw in the picture, our branch is small but strong. I love them all. Next week we have another baptism for a 15 year old girl named Rebecca. It's amazing how much the work is building. All in all, another awesome week!

So for Thanksgiving we went to the mall and had a big rotisserie chicken. It was delicious. Also, the other picture is not Spaghetti, its Woache (whaaa-chea).  It's pretty much just beans and rice.  It's really good. I have grown to love the food here.  I know crazy, right?

I love you guys so very much! Here's to another awesome week!

Love,

 

Elder Seanshine Keddington 

I'm not sure where he is getting the smaller shirts he is wearing, but some are a little too small, I think. Haha!  He looks so great, though!  I mentioned to him during our FB chat that it was snowing today.  He told me that it sounded like Heaven because the 90 degree temperatures year round get pretty toasty.  He will definitely need to get used to the changing seasons again when he gets home.  All in all he sounds and looks great and we couldn't be happier!!

More work in Kasoa

Hi Mom, 

 

Another great week out here. We had a pretty good week teaching. Yesterday, we went to the Kasoa stake center to watch a special broadcast from Salt lake City for West Africa.  It was a nice Sunday, We had 2 of our investigators come. Both of their baptisms are on the 27th. We are excited for them and for the branch! The work is truly moving forward.

So, for Thanksgiving I think we will go to the mall and eat a big meal of chicken. I am so jealous of that deep fried turkey you're making, though.  It sounds delicious.  Tell Connor thank you for the Harry Potter wand.  Sounds like the movie was fun.  You guys can keep it there for me when I get home. I am going to try my best not to get trunky! Haha.

I love you all so very much! Another week, another blessing!

 

Love, Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

Fufu and Palm Nut Soup with Fish.  He said it was delicious!!

Elder Keddington (before a much needed shave) and Elder Kabasele

 

Happy 20th Birthday!!

Hi mom! 

We had a fantastic week yet again! We had 2 investigators at church.  We taught them about the Sabbath.  Also, we confirmed our baptism.  He received the priesthood and he passed the sacrament! We are so happy and excited about the progress in this fast-growing area! We are truly blessed!

My birthday was awesome! I went to the mall in Weija, we played pool, and went to the grocery store and got a bunch of stuff we don't normally get.  I had a double chicken sandwich, which was divine!  I was sick the next day, but it was so worth it. I got my birthday package. Everything was wonderful!

Here's to another great week, in the service of the Man upstairs!

Love you all so very much!
Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

He was able to get a nice camera/tablet with his birthday money - yay!  So back to pictures next week!  I asked him if he had heard much about our election there.  He said he heard that Trump had won, but no one really pays much attention to it because they have their own election coming up on December 12th.  The missionaries have been told to stay indoors on that day because there is supposed to be quite a bit of violence associated with the election.  Sounds fun! 

 

He loves his companion and loves the area.  He feels incredibly blessed to be able to serve in that wonderful corner of the world! 

Definitely a Missionary

Transfer Day with Elder Reeves

Dear Mom, 

 

We had another fantastic week! My area is a bit like Kwabeng, as in it is right on the edge of the jungle. It's a really pretty village. We had an awesome week of teaching. Our baptism was awesome! Our candidate's name is Dominic and he was received into the branch with open arms. Also, one of the recent converts in the branch was ordained a priest and given the priesthood. And to top it off, I taught the Gospel Essentials class. I taught about the temple and baptisms for the dead. They asked some pretty tough questions, but with the help of the Spirit, I felt I answered them OK. All in all, it was a great week, teaching wise. I did a rough estimated, and since I got here, my companion and I have walked a total of 40 miles!  I come home tired, but satisfied each night. 

 

Thank you to everyone for the birthday money. I really appreciate all the support you guys give me. I couldn't do it without you guys. I love you all and pray for you everyday.

I love you guys so very much and thank you for the birthday wishes.

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

Wow - this kid sounds like a missionary!  The tourist is gone.  I can't believe my baby boy will be 20 this week!  How did that happen.  He told me in our FB chat that in some ways, he feels like he's turning 30 instead of 20.  14 months in another country will probably do that to you, especially when you were without running water for the last 4 months.  He sounds so great and is loving the people and the place.  I can't wait until he can get to Accra and get a new camera.  I'm dying for some pictures!  Love this guy and all he is doing.

Welcome to Kasoa

Hi Mom, 

Greetings from Kasoa!  My new area is HUGE!  I've walked at least 13 miles this week.

Elder Kabasele is a super sweet guy.  He is really chill and was Elder Kaelin's last companion. Tell Elder Kaelin I'm in his old area. So, our area of proselyting is actually not around where we live.  We have to take a tro (a small bus) to our area which is called Bawjiase. It's a very nice area and it's ready to receive the Gospel. We are baptizing someone this Sunday, so we are excited for that! All in all, I'm super excited to help build the Kingdom here.

I have some bad news. So first is my camera cord broke during the travel. And second, my camera is having some problems.  It can't take pictures in daylight.  The brightness is messed up. I don't know what to do.  I will think of something.

I love you so much! I will continue to keep you updated!

With all my love, 

 

Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

My goodness - how he has grown!  I'm so excited for him and his opportunities in this new area.  With his big heart, he will be great.  Bless his heart - another camera down.  It's a good thing his birthday is next week.  I'm hoping he is somewhere that he can buy one - hopefully cheap!  This mission thing is kind of pricey.  Absolutely worth it, though.  Love this guy so much!!

 

Moving to Kasoa

Hi Mom, 

We had a pretty good last week of transfers. We had our Multi-Zone conference this week.  It was a very inspiring time. I travelled to Accra with Elder Reeves to get his ingrown toe fixed.  We had a lot of fun. 

We got transfer news. I am leaving Winneba to go and open a new area in Kasoa. My new companion will be Elder Kabasele from the Congo. From what I've heard, he is a really nice guy. I have to admit, I will miss Winneba, but I know that the Lord will help me.  Where I'm going, there is not even a branch.  It's just a group of members, so we get to build a ward!  I am really excited!

I will let you know how it goes next week! I'm glad everyone is doing well right now! I'm healthy and well!

I love you all so much!

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

A new, exciting challenge!  He has loved Winneba - even though he went without running water for 2 months.  In our FB chat, he said that once the pump was fixed, the water company came to their place and shut off their water claiming that they had not paid their bill (they had).  He says they were just looking for a bribe because they know that the Church has money.  Apparently, things like that happen all the time.  Not sure I'd want to be on the other end of that reckoning!  ;)  He says he's already feeling a bit of the Thanksgiving/Christmas homesickness, so hopefully this new challenge will keep him busy and keep his mind off missing home.

Can't wait to see what adventures await him in Kasoa!

 

He like to send me pictures of flowers - and always checks to make sure I got them.

Such a beautiful Temple!

 

Week 59!

Hi Mom, 

Another typical week in Ghana!, We taught some new people who seem pretty interested in learning the Gospel. We had two investigators at church this week and we confirmed our recent convert yesterday.  You could tell she was feeling the spirit. It was wonderful!
 
We are in the last week of transfers we will get news on Saturday.  Elder Dall and I had a small companionship inventory to settle differences this week, now we are all good!  In our FB conversation, I asked him about the companionship troubles. He says it's little things, but when you are together 24/7, sometime those little things can become big unless you address them.  I'm glad to see that he is learning to do that.  It will only help in his marriage someday.
 

He finished decorating my Ukulele.  I will attach pictures!  It is such a treasure!

 

 

 

 I love you guys so much have a great week!

 

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

It takes up quite a bit of my time to read his lengthy discourses about missionary work in Ghana, but it's well worth my time.  Haha!!  I just really hope he has a journal that he is keeping a record in - or a mind like a steel trap!  

 

He asked me about the election because America is becoming quite the laughing stock - even in Ghana with this stupid election.  I asked him what he had heard:

 

I heard it explained that Hillary is like a mob boss, who is corrupt.  And Trump is the joker, you don't know what to expect.

 

Yep - pretty much sums it up.  He says they are just as curious over there to see how it will play out as we are over here.  Oh heavens - help us all!

 

He sounds wonderful and looks great.  I couldn't ask for more.  We are very blessed! 

 

Elder Reeves mom sent me these.  These two went out together and I predict they will be life-long friends!

The Winneba District

 

Missionary work - that's about it

 Dear Mom, 

We had a really good week this week. We are teaching more and we have some new investigators that seem really interested in learning the gospel. We are extending baptismal dates to them this week, so we are hoping that they accept. Besides that pretty normal out here.  We are having another interview with President this Wednesday, so we are preparing for that.

Man, Quinn is looking good! I cant wait to see him play football again. he is a stud!

I love you guys so very much! Thank you for the prayers they keep me going!

 

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

I think he was going for a record short email this week.  The kid cracks me up.  In my FB chat with him I found out that they still don't have running water in Winneba.  They are having to get what they need by bucket, but a new pump is supposed to be going in today.  FUN!!  I also asked him if there was a lot of crime in Ghana and this was his reply "No, not at all. if you steal in Ghana you don't go to jail.  Instead a crowd beats you to death, so there's not a lot of theft"  Ok - good to know!  

 

Sounds like just a whole lotta missionary work these days.  308 days left!!

13 Months Down!

New International ID's

Dear Mom, 

We had a pretty good week.  We went to Accra on Monday to renew our ID's.  We finally got me a ukulele. 

The work is pretty good right now. Send some prayers so we can get investigators to church. Besides that, not much else to report.

 

We watched Conference yesterday. We watched the Priesthood session and got to see President Curtis talk about Ghana! It was a great Conference. Bless the prophet, he is getting very frail.

I love you all so very much I pray for all of you every single day!

Love Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

Short and to the point.  This kid makes me laugh.  I know he's working hard, just doesn't like to write about it.  Written reports in school were never his strong point.  He found out the he will be coming home on August 15th, so we'll get him home just in time to send him off to school.  We are proud of him and are glad to see him working hard to become a good man.

 

Since we know he doesn't tend to send too many pics, I "borrowed" some from other missionaries that he is serving with.  I'm grateful for any pics we get of him!

 

Beautiful Winneba

Learning to sew

I think it's a fake snake, but not sure

Cleaning up the beach

Pulling in the fishing nets

A Busy Week!

Baptism of Abena

Dear Mom, 

What a big week! A ton happened this week. First off we met with our Mission President in one on one interviews. We had a great talk.  He said that if I continue to grow the way I am, I will train in no time. It was an amazing interview.  

Next I went on an exchange with the Zone leaders. We walked a ton! But we had a great time.

 

Finally we had our Baptism!  We baptized a woman named Abena.  It was tricky teaching her because she doesn't speak any English so we had to take a translator every time we went to teach her, but we made it work!  It was a very fulfilling week.  We were kind of exhausted at the end though.

So, Kailee (Sharp) got her Mission call!  She will start out with a two-transfer mini-mission to Logan.  Then they'll see how she holds up and maybe send her on a longer mission.   I'm really happy for her she is going to be just amazing!

 

We will get to watch conference this Sunday at the stake center!  This is huge because when he was in Kwabeng, they had to wait for several weeks before they could watch conference on dvd.

I love you guys so much!

 

Love, Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

We got to have our little facebook chat and he talked about looking forward to college with Christian, possibly wanting to become a police officer or firefighter and how much he has grown to love Ghana!!  You love those your serve and his huge heart is forming quite a bond with those great people!   

When in Ghana...

Hauling bamboo

Conference in Accra

Dear Mom, 

We are doing great here! Another good week. We went to Accra on Tuesday and Wednesday to listen to Elder Gary E. Stevenson. He taught us about the importance of following up with commitments. It was a very nice talk.  They had Elder Soares talk to us as well. We had a great time.

We have a new missionary in the apartment. His name is Elder Hall from Ogden. He is a really nice guy. He is 21, he waited a little bit before coming out.

I'm so happy everyone is doing good back home.

So, just some trivia from my side. Right now we don't have any flowing water in our house. There's something wrong with Winneba's water system. No one is getting any, so we've had to get creative with water.  It makes me realize how blessed we are to have all the utilities we do in America.  We truly live in a blessed land.

I love you guys so much and I pray for you everyday!

Love,  Elder Seanshine Keddington

He also mentioned in our facebook chat today that he has taken up the ukelele and loves it!  That's his nana in him!  They have a baptism this Sunday, so he is looking forward to that and he is really anxious to find out where Kailee Sharp will be serving her mission!  He sounds so wonderful!

Elder Stevenson

He's getting so skinny!

Staying in Winneba

 Dear Mom, 

 

We got transfer news, I'm staying in Winneba with Elder Dall. I'm fine with it, but Elder Dall really wanted to train because a bunch of brand new missionaries are coming in. He was taking it kind of hard, but he will be OK. On Sunday we went on splits with the AP's.  It was very nice they are really sweet guys. The Elder I was with said he was very impressed with my teaching! So he said when the next bunch of greenies come in, he said he'd hook me up to train! It was a great afternoon. 

 

So, on that high note let me share what has been my worst experience so far on mission. So, we went to the Zone leaders apartment on Saturday.  When we got back we went to a chop bar (a little stand where they sell food) and I ordered a piece of Chicken. It smelled kind of weird and when I bit into it, a bunch of maggots were crawling out of the chicken! I spit it out and got my money back. I was in kind of a bad mood for the rest of the day! :) (Um, yeah!!  Yikes!)  

 

I'm so happy everything is well. I hope everyone is OK. I love you all so very much!

 

On Wednesday we go to Accra for a mission conference with Elder Gary. E. Stevenson. I can't wait for his instruction!

I love you All sooo very much!

Love, Elder Seanshine Keddington

I love his attitude about training.  All in the Lord's time.  But - wow!  I'm pretty sure I would have a tough time eating chicken again.  Ugh!  I love the growth we are seeing in him!  He makes my heart happy!

Now mom starts to count down

Oh my heart!!

Dear Mom, 

What a week!  Not only did I have fun, but my testimony of the priesthood grew.  So, on Wednesday I woke up feeling sicker then I ever have been before on my mission. I had a 100+ fever, coughing nausea.  We called Sister Simpson about it and she said I should rest for the week.  I couldn't accept it. So I asked all the missionaries to give me a blessing and after suffering for a bit, I was fine that evening!  My fever broke and I wasn't hurting anymore.  The priesthood has the true power on this earth.  I know it to be true.

So, our one year celebration was a huge blast! In the morning we went and taught a few investigators.  Then we went and played basketball with some college students.  They were really good.  I am pretty rusty!  We went to a pizza parlor for ice cream and pizza and then went back to the apartment to burn our shirts and we made S'mores!

I am so excited for this coming year and I am ready to go!  I love you guys so very much!

 

1 year down 1 to go!

 

Love, Elder Seanshine Keddington

 

 

The burning shirt

Looking good, guys!

Watch it burn!